7 Best Dehumidifiers Under $250 for a Cool, Comfortable Summer

There’s a lot of to love about warm weather, but humidity is not one of them. Humidity, which is the amount of water vapor present in the air, is the thing responsible for that sticky feeling come summertime (not to mention frizzy hair). While there’s little you can do about the humidity outside, there is something you can do about the humidity inside — and that’s invest in one of the best humidifiers under $250. But before we get to the products, let’s talk about the magic of the dehumidifier. 

How do dehumidifiers work? 

So, what are dehumidifiers and what do dehumidifiers do, exactly? As the name suggests, dehumidifiers are machines that remove excess moisture (or humidity) from the air. But how do they do it? According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, once placed in a humid room, dehumidifiers, “draw air over cold coils, condensing out its moisture, before passing the air over warm coils and back into the room. The condensed water drips into a container in the unit that then has to be emptied.” 

Dehumidifier vs. Air Purifier: What’s the difference? 

One question many people have while shopping for a dehumidifier is whether or not they should get one if they already have an air purifier. So what is the difference between a dehumidifier and an air purifier? While both work to improve the quality of air inside your home, they serve different functions. As we’ve already discussed, dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air, preventing mold and mildew growth. Air purifiers, on the other hand, are machines that use filters to trap and remove harmful dirt particles from the air like mold spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other irritating allergens. While there are some dehumidifiers that also come with an air filter, having one of each is the best way to fill your home with the cleanest, freshest air.

How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier for You

Now that you know what a dehumidifier is, you’re almost ready to find the one for you. As with any household appliance, there some things you should keep in mind when shopping for a dehumidifier, like size and whether it has an energy efficient seal. Here are four tips on how to choose the best dehumidifier for you. 

Keep your location in mind: First things first, when shopping for your dehumidifier always remember: location, location, location. Different areas in the home require different types of machines. For instance, a smaller dehumidifier can work fine in smaller rooms, closets, and crawl spaces, but areas like large living rooms and basements usually require you to pull out the big guns. 

Consider the tank size options: Something you’ll come across on your hunt for the best dehumidifier is the term “pint.” While there’s no ice cream involved here, pint does refer to the pints of water the dehumidifier can remove from the air on any given day; dehumidifiers typically offer 30-, 50-, and 70-pint options. Remember that the bigger the pint size the bigger a room it can tackle with ease. 

Decide which water removal method is best: Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not you want to dump, drain, or pump your water. Most dehumidifiers have a water collection tank that requires manual dumping, while others include a draining option that requires a hose and gravity to bring the water down and out. The easiest and most efficient water-removal option is a dehumidifier that vertically pumps water to remove it, but that comes at a premium price. While some dehumidifiers do come equipped with multiple options, your sanity with thank for knowing the best option for your space before you hit the purchase button. 

Look for an Energy Star rating: Much like air conditioners, dehumidifiers use a lot of energy to get the job done. That’s why knowing your dehumidifier’s Energy Star rating is so important. With an Energy Star rating (or energy-efficient status) you can rest assured that you won’t be hit with a huge energy bill for running your dehumidifier continuously this summer. 

The Best Dehumidifiers Under $250

Whether it’s for your basement or a specific space in your home, keeping your home cool and humidity-free doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Keep scrolling to shop FIRST‘s picks for the best air dehumidifiers under $250, complete with dehumidifier reviews from buyers just like you!

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